No, Calling a Sleeping Person’s Name Will NOT Cause Brain Damage

According to a would-be warning message that circulates via social media, you should not call out a person’s name while he or she is sleeping.

Supposedly, calling the sleeping person’s name can cause the person to experience a rush of adrenaline. And, claims the message, this shot of adrenaline can cause fear and panic in the sleeping person and lead to brain damage.

The message, which claims to be from the World Health Organization (WHO), advises people to gently tap the sleeping person rather than calling his or her name.

But, the claims in the warning message are utter nonsense. Calling a sleeping person’s name will not cause brain damage or any other injury. And, the warning certainly did not come from WHO as claimed. Nor is it supported by any other credible medical entity.

Of course, a person who is suddenly awakened from a deep sleep may feel momentarily startled or disorientated. But, unless the person has an existing medical or psychological condition, this minor fright will not cause any serious or ongoing health problems.

After all, sleeping people all around the world are regularly awakened by people calling them or by loud noises in their vicinity with no ill effect other than perhaps a degree of irritation. Moreover, waking a person by tapping them – gently or otherwise – would be no different than calling their name.

This silly warning message is perhaps a mutated variant of old – and equally spurious – myths about the supposed health dangers of waking a sleepwalker.

Spreading such nonsense will help nobody.

An example of the hoax message:

*Did you Know?*

That calling out a person’s name while they are sleeping can cause brain damage to the person.
Instead of calling their name, tap them gently and if they do not respond wait a bit and tap them later.

*Do not call out a person’s name while they are sleeping*

Because their adrenaline can shot up causing fear and panic which can cause *Brain Damage*

From: World Health Organization Courtesy: LUTH
Please Forward to friends and Family

No, Calling a Sleeping Person’s Name Will NOT Cause Brain Damage was last modified: February 2nd, 2018 by Brett M. Christensen